The SocketMate

[Ryan]

I got an email from this guy just the other day... He's working overtime in an effort to get an idea of his funded that he calls the "SocketMate." Frankly, the SocketMate doesn't solve any problems that I currently have, but I can see how others migh...
To read the rest of this blog entry from The Garage Journal, click here.

 

[Falcon67]

I like it. I can see applications for smaller race track type tool boxes, compact tool kits and for just what the video shows, scavenging in the scrap yard. Well, out here were we can still do that. A lot of yards like to see a smaller carry in box and they may want to look in it going and coming. I don't think he'll hit his goal though - long $$$$$ way to go in 23 days.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

I'd buy it to replace my plastic hard cases for my junkyard tools... more compact for the bag, which means I can fit a few more tools in it for the yard too.

 

[Twitchr]

Like it alot.... hopefully HF or someone else just doesn't rip off the idea as injection molded plastic and velco seem to be their specialty. I'm in

 

[cgv69]

A couple of random thoughts...

I hope this guy comes here and joins this thread to discuss his product.

I found it funny that the first link listed in his internet search was to this site

Over all, not a bad design. I too have been looking for a better way to carry sockets with me in my portable tool kit. The biggest problem I see is...

I really think the tray needs a magnetic bottom so that when it's in use and the strap is off, the sockets don't go flying when the tray gets knocked over. This IMO is an essential change because the tray getting knock over when the strap in not on is going to happen.

His video is a perfect example, you are at the u-pull it yard. You take your socket mate out, grab the ratchet and socket you need and then set the socket mate down on the fender. It slips or you knock it over with your elbow or whatever and now all of your sockets are dumped out into the engine bay

If he can make that change and keep the price at $25, I'm in. Otherwise I wouldn't be interested. Just my $.02

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I dig it. I hope he gets off the ground.

I fly with my tools. ( Think more than 600,000 miles in 8 years.) I think this would help keep things together.

The only problem I see is all the variations guys will want. Think about how many configurations guys use when they put the Wright socket rails together.

I never carry a full set of sockets. I am a manufacturers rep, so I know almost exactly what sizes I need. In fact I have a bucket of all the stuff I pulled out of the sets in the warehouse. So either a somewhat universal design would suit me. Or I'll have a ton of empty spots.

 

[Zeke]

Being one that has come up with a few (make that many) cockamamie ideas that I had a passion for to the point that I couldn't see the whole picture, I think his idea is rather limited. Maybe double sided for metric and SAE, not one for each. Or double sided for deep and shallow.

 

[marty_p]

I hope this guy comes here and joins this thread to discuss his product.

I found it funny that the first link listed in his internet search was to this site

Yes, I noticed the GJ thread link right off too and had to laugh; of course we would own the top link on this subject!

I feel that he is on to something as well, and if I took frequent u-pull-it trips, I could see investing in a few of these. I also agree in the magnetic base concept, although it may increase the cost a hint.

 

[woodstockva]

Over all, not a bad design. I too have been looking for a better way to carry sockets with me in my portable tool kit. The biggest problem I see is...

I really think the tray needs a magnetic bottom so that when it's in use and the strap is off, the sockets don't go flying when the tray gets knocked over.

That is a really good idea.....a cheap and simple upgrade that would make it much more useable in real life.

I hope he reaches his goal...I think this would be a niche product that many people could use.

I am glad to here he is going with a 100% Made in USA production route.

 

[Falcon67]

Asked about socket sizes:

Hi Chris,
The model for the rewards is for 3/8" drive sockets. The design is good for 1/4" and 1/2" drive, and I do have plans for tho10:15 AM 10/2/2014se in the future. But, each different drive size requires separate tooling, so to keep costs down I had to choose just one to start with.
Thanks for taking a look!

 

[CJM8515]

Interesting idea. I too wold like a more secure way to hold them in other than a strap. Magnet, plastic snap, or something?

I happen to like the smaller cases that the cheaper sets usually come in.

 

[Falcon67]

Also, FWIW - I hate magnet type carriers. There's a lot of swarf around here and magnets just get gummed up with it.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I actually bought something almost identical to this at Advance Auto in front of the cash register maybe 15 years ago. The only difference was instead of the Velcro it had a long piece of plastic that went over the sockets and the ratchet and extension had a hinged plastic clasp that went over them. I might still have it somewhere I will have to look around.

 

[sac02]

I'm in manufacturing (quality engineer, but still, I spend 10hrs a day in a million sqft mfg facility), and I think the guys that want him to add magnets "because it's so cheap and easy" haven't fully thought out the cost and complexity involved in their idea. It involves:

1. sourcing a new magnet supplier,
2. making a more complicated mold,
3. probably sourcing an adhesive supplier to hold the magnets in the tray, and
4. (the biggie) the actual labor processes of installing 6 or 12 little magnets into that tray.
5. Oh, don't forget tooling to install those magnets
6. also don't forget the logistics involved in having two additional suppliers, and the warehouse, floor space, and line space required for the extra peices.

Currently it is an injection molded tray with a velcro strap wrapped around it. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the magnet idea would likely double the cost of the product, or more.

I like the product design as-is, though I can't say I personally have a need for it.

 

[RatchetMan]

I assume the designer of the SocketMate will be reading this thread so I'll give my two cents. The idea is good and although I don't really have an immediate use for it, some might. I think the biggest hurdle here is going to be preventing companies from ripping off the idea, just as others have mentioned. It's not a high tech item that will take a lot of R&D to copy.

 

[David Jackson]

Has the designer consulted a patent attorney?

 

[kazlx]

I like the idea, but looks like no deep sockets is kind of a buzzkill. I almost always end up using deep sockets for whatever I'm working on.

 

[Big Pete]

theres already versions of this around. Over here you can buy a complete socket set already set up like that for about $50 or so. pretty sure theres something like it in HF as well.

 

[kjbenner]

Has the designer consulted a patent attorney?

He has it labeled as patent pending, so I'd assume he's at least filed a provisional.

 

[SocketMateMan]

Hello all!

I was literally reading comments on my phone while underneath a kitchen sink today. Couldn't wait to get home and hop on here. Thanks for all the feedback! I knew I could count on this forum to give it to me straight. I have noticed that BS gets called out pretty quickly on here.

Also a big thanks to the moderator for featuring the SocketMate. It is REALLY REALLY hard to get publicity for something like this. I am just some dude with a gadget, and I am finding out that pretty much no one in the tool industry wants to talk to a dude with a gadget. Evidently, there are quite a few of us out there. So thanks.

I will try to reply to questions and comments individually to provide more information. I appreciate all feedback both positive and negative. Both are valuable to me, it's virtually impossible to remain objective on something like this. At this point, if a lot of people see it and simply don't like it or want it, I can live with that. I just want to give it the best chance I can.

Any help spreading the word is awesome!

 

[SocketMateMan]

I like it. I can see applications for smaller race track type tool boxes, compact tool kits and for just what the video shows, scavenging in the scrap yard. Well, out here were we can still do that. A lot of yards like to see a smaller carry in box and they may want to look in it going and coming. I don't think he'll hit his goal though - long $$$$$ way to go in 23 days.

You are right. Long way to go. Possibly too long. Not sure if Kickstarter is the best place for it. But I thought what the hell, it's free, and free publicity. I'm not giving up yet, but it's hard to argue with math.

 

[SocketMateMan]

theres already versions of this around. Over here you can buy a complete socket set already set up like that for about $50 or so. pretty sure theres something like it in HF as well.

Please share if you can what device your talking about, so I can stop wasting my time. That's not sarcasm. I need to know.

 

[kazlx]

Don't get me wrong, I think you'll sell them. I just don't know if you will sell enough of them to make it worth your time. Like someone mentioned above, I could see the guys that really use them would be a service tech or someone who knows exactly what sizes they need. But if you are bringing that setup with a 3/8" metric and sae set and maybe 1/4" metric and sae set, you'll most likely just have a tool box....

I like how it looks and respect the effort you put in. It looks good, I just don't see myself buying one.

 

[SocketMateMan]

I like the idea, but looks like no deep sockets is kind of a buzzkill. I almost always end up using deep sockets for whatever I'm working on.

I know the video is way too long, but toward the end I mention designs for deep well. It's just that each design has to have it's own tooling. So for a Kickstarter I had to pick one. The idea would be to have one SocketMate like in the video, and then separate trays with corresponding metric or SAE or deep well. The user would just keep whichever sockets they use most in the Socketmate.

 

[SocketMateMan]

Has the designer consulted a patent attorney?

Fortunately, or unfortunately, I have recently converted several provisionals into the real deal non-provisional. Spent the dough. Don't know if it's worth it or not. But my provisionals were going to expire, so I had to. Luckily, I live in Oklahoma and my patent attorney was like less than half of what they charge in most major markets.

 

[SocketMateMan]

I'm in manufacturing (quality engineer, but still, I spend 10hrs a day in a million sqft mfg facility), and I think the guys that want him to add magnets "because it's so cheap and easy" haven't fully thought out the cost and complexity involved in their idea. It involves:

1. sourcing a new magnet supplier,
2. making a more complicated mold,
3. probably sourcing an adhesive supplier to hold the magnets in the tray, and
4. (the biggie) the actual labor processes of installing 6 or 12 little magnets into that tray.
5. Oh, don't forget tooling to install those magnets
6. also don't forget the logistics involved in having two additional suppliers, and the warehouse, floor space, and line space required for the extra peices.

Currently it is an injection molded tray with a velcro strap wrapped around it. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the magnet idea would likely double the cost of the product, or more.

I like the product design as-is, though I can't say I personally have a need for it.

Nailed it! I looked into magnets, but for all the reasons you listed, I gave it up. The idea is for it to be cheap and durable. Magnets would violate the cheap principle.

 

[SocketMateMan]

A couple of random thoughts...

I hope this guy comes here and joins this thread to discuss his product.

I found it funny that the first link listed in his internet search was to this site

Over all, not a bad design. I too have been looking for a better way to carry sockets with me in my portable tool kit. The biggest problem I see is...

I really think the tray needs a magnetic bottom so that when it's in use and the strap is off, the sockets don't go flying when the tray gets knocked over. This IMO is an essential change because the tray getting knock over when the strap in not on is going to happen.

His video is a perfect example, you are at the u-pull it yard. You take your socket mate out, grab the ratchet and socket you need and then set the socket mate down on the fender. It slips or you knock it over with your elbow or whatever and now all of your sockets are dumped out into the engine bay

If he can make that change and keep the price at $25, I'm in. Otherwise I wouldn't be interested. Just my $.02

Your not wrong, although I find that most the time I'm just setting mine on the ground so it's not huge issue. I was thinking about your exact criticism when I filmed that at the junk yard. You definitely have place it on something it won't slide off of. If it ever becomes a real product I would definitely try to do a deluxe version with magnets. For now it's just too much. Sac02 replied to your post, and trust me, he knows exactly what he's talking about.

 

[SocketMateMan]

I assume the designer of the SocketMate will be reading this thread so I'll give my two cents. The idea is good and although I don't really have an immediate use for it, some might. I think the biggest hurdle here is going to be preventing companies from ripping off the idea, just as others have mentioned. It's not a high tech item that will take a lot of R&D to copy.

You are not the first person to have that concern. To be honest I would almost be honored that someone thought enough about the design to copy it.... Almost. It's certainly not the most complex thing out there, but according professional patent searches, it is unique, at least in the patent literature. I guess I'll just have to address that issue if it comes up. If turns out that its just impossible to design something and make money from it before a large company rips it off, I guess thats just the world we live in. It just never made sense to give it up for that reason. There are much better ones.

 

[SocketMateMan]

Please post if you can find it. I was trying to avoid moving parts like clips, hinges etc. they just always seem to wear out or break. I went with velcro because it's durable. I have some velcro knee pads I use almost everyday. At least three years and still going. Not much padding anymore but the velcro still works! Good hook and loop is hard is hard to beat.

 

[Macrosloth]

My small socket set from the 60's was just a folded piece of sheet metal, with a strip that would rotate up and hold everything in place. Worked back then, still works now.

The other posters idea of a magnetic bottom is a great idea.

 

[-Brent-]

I'm rooting for you, SocketMateMan!

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Kudos to you SocketMateMan!!
Our family is full of inventors and it is a tough road. Keep pushing it in front of people, if it is a real solution the masses will embrace it.

Good luck and keep the dream!

 

[gahrajmahal]

Socketmateman, way to go! Good product and good start. My only suggestion is to loose the patent piece of the puzzle. You are a smart guy, if someone rips you off you will spend all your time and money in the courts and lawyers. Build your socket mate empire and keep adding new products. Spend your extra time and dollars on emarketing, YouTube and other methods. The scum that would rip you off cannot come up with the next improved version, but you can. I have been the development engineer for many new patented products. The patent never did anything but add cost and artificial deadlines to the product launch.

 

[Builder302]

Have you contacted the fast cap company? They help guys like you bring this stuff to market.

 

[srmofo]

Have you contacted the fast cap company? They help guys like you bring this stuff to market.

Lisle might be another way to go.

I dont think I would waste my time with a patent. Too expensive, too long and by the time it hits the market the chinese would have ripped it off and be selling it in every store from coast to coast for less than $10. Worse yet, you just provided them with all of the dimensional details and a blue print for manufacture.

BTW my gearwrench set holds a 3", 6", ratchet, and more sockets. All for less than $20 with tools. Yeah it takes up a little more room but you are going to have some stiff competition.

 

[Falcon67]

I'm in manufacturing (quality engineer, but still, I spend 10hrs a day in a million sqft mfg facility), and I think the guys that want him to add magnets "because it's so cheap and easy" haven't fully thought out the cost and complexity involved in their idea. It involves:

1. sourcing a new magnet supplier,
2. making a more complicated mold,
3. probably sourcing an adhesive supplier to hold the magnets in the tray, and
4. (the biggie) the actual labor processes of installing 6 or 12 little magnets into that tray.
5. Oh, don't forget tooling to install those magnets
6. also don't forget the logistics involved in having two additional suppliers, and the warehouse, floor space, and line space required for the extra peices.

Currently it is an injection molded tray with a velcro strap wrapped around it. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the magnet idea would likely double the cost of the product, or more.

I like the product design as-is, though I can't say I personally have a need for it.

20 years in mfg here, above covers it. I go in a lot of tool stores and have not seen anything similar. Would be great if the funding came through. Made in the USA here people.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I'm not sure that I have a use for it, but I agree that it could be great for a tech that uses specific sockets on a routine basis.

 

[justme-]

I'm surprised anyone has had velcro last 3 years with daily use. Unless it's real 3M it's going to give up in no time. Even that new stuff with the mushroom shaped buttons instead of hooks seems to be lacking in grip and durability.
Very tough competition in the market place for a gadget like this, and many potential customers may be very short sighted about it. Personally, I don't see a need for one in my tools, but a modified version (holding deep and shallow, or sae and metric together, and with space to hold a full set would be something I'd be interested in for a 1/2 drive set.

Empty socket peg haters can move along to something else - when I need a 1/2 set it's not in the box and usually is in the field so I could use something to toss in a tool bag, but when I need a set I need to have all sizes there. Just bought a Lisle mag socket rack and found it won't hold a full set of 1/2 drive (3 short in each deep and shallow).

That said, with the conditions and start production costs (actual production should be pretty inexpensive for injection mold and velcro, just those moulds...)
I'd probably bring the idea to Lisle or similar who looks for good ideas to add to production. If it's something viable to manufacture they will, if they won't make it there's a reason.
Good luck whatever you do... and let me know if the version I could use happens.

 

[Boiler]

As a designer, I think you've solved the "problem" pretty handily and with clear, forward thinking on the little features. My only issue is if there is a "problem" for enough people, and for those people to realize they have a problem, find your product, and lay down some pretty good money for it. I think its is a focused solution for a problem that might vary somewhat from person to person.

I'm not trying to discourage you. Getting it in front of potential buyers is going to be the real problem.

 

[woodstockva]

Here are my thoughts after reading all these replies....

Keep pressing forward, both with production AND your patent. Even if this never "takes off" for you sales-wise, you would still own the rights to it & if any other company wanted to license your idea, then they would have to pay you royalties on each one sold (long term income).

The kickstarter idea is a good one.....simply because you get the money you need up front WITHOUT any investors or loans! If it works out, you are out exactly zero dollars if it fails & you never sell one unit.

- Keep in made in the USA
- Keep it simple (as in your current design.....upgrades can follow later)
- Dont focus on negativity.....for every one person that says it can work, 10 will tell you it wont.

I personally like helping smaller "Made in USA" companies succeed & get a lot of additional exposure when they have a quality product. If you want to have me do a video review for you when/if these get produced, shoot me a PM on here.

Good luck!